New Mexico's new program offering homeless students $500 a month for meeting academic requirements has been slow to deliver payments. Educators report delays and administrative hurdles as the state says funds are beginning to flow.

With the growing movement toward school choice, community connections are disappearing, especially in high-poverty neighborhoods.

Date &amp; Time: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 2 p.m. ET <br><br> In this 30-minute Ed Talk, East Central ISD joins SchoolStatus to explore how districts can integrate academic, behavioral, and assessment data to surface hidden patterns behind absenteeism. Learn how cross-department collaboration and aligned data use can lead to more effective, equitable attendance strategies.

These leaders are earning national attention for their involvement in outreach and fast-paced, technology-centered leadership.